Bio: Frank has ranched on the family ranch for over 50 years and has been involved with local organizations for much of that time. He has been active in the local Farm Bureau, served as vice president for the WY Farm Bureau Federation, was a county commissioner for seven years, and currently chairs the board of a local grazing association. He has been on the board of the Association since its inception.

Growing up on a ranch and then as a young rancher, Frank says he thought mostly about the livestock. “But over time, I have come to appreciate the need for conservation. Unless we manage our resources wisely, one can cause damage that may be difficult or impossible to repair.”

Of the association’s origin and accomplishments, he reflects, “We were just some ranchers brainstorming, trying to come up with ways to deal proactively with the Endangered Species Act and possible listings. We realized that we would have more ability to influence outcomes if we worked as a group. Over time and with professional help, we realized that the CCAA provisions in the Endangered Species Act offer land owners a great opportunity. Although we did not realize how time consuming and complicated the process of crafting this Strategy would be, I’m glad we were able to hang in there and, eventually, come up with something that is truly worthwhile.”

In his free time, Frank enjoys flying small airplanes, a hobby he developed as a result of military flight training.

Laurel VicklundVice ChairmanBoard member since 2014

Bio: Laurel works as a Sr. Environmental Scientist for Peabody Energy in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. She has worked on reclaiming mined lands, permitting, and regulatory affairs for over 25 years. She has assisted with various reclamation studies and co-authored journal articles and conference proceedings. She received her BS with major concentration in soils from Colorado State University.

Regarding her participation in the Association, Laurel reflects, “I have not seen the level of collaboration in other working groups that the Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association offers from a unique combination of private land owners, industry and federal agencies. The comprehensive conservation plans and results from TBGPEA’s collaboration have exceeded what any one person or agency could have developed. It is inspiring to be a part of this kind of conservation.”

When she is not working, Laurel enjoys wood working, hunting and assisting her husband, Olin Oedekoven, with the out-of-country portion of his business.

Jewell ReedTreasurerBoard member since 1999

Bio: Jewell brings a lifetime of ranching experience to the Association, and has served as treasurer since its founding. She grew up on her parents’ homestead in the Thunder Basin and still lives in the same community. Her great grandchildren are now the fourth generation living on the ranch she and her husband Earl bought soon after they were married. The family has always been involved in community activities such as 4-H, Homemakers, Farm Bureau, Wool Growers, and the Wyoming State Fair. They take pride in their cattle, sheep, and wool.

Jewell believes in a balance between domestic livestock and wildlife, and feels that the Association helps both ranching and wildlife to thrive by promoting proper usage of local resources. She is excited about the knowledge gained through the Association’s monitoring efforts, and is pleased that this information is available to the public through the website, friendly conversations, and other avenues. “We know that mining and ranching can coexist,” she says. “The coal mines have proven that land can be reclaimed to its former state—or better. The next big challenge is oil and gas development. Our hope is that with education, patience, work, and good will, that too can become a plus.”

Lona NachtmanDirectorBoard member since 1999

Bio: Lona is a third generation rancher: “I’ve been ranching all my life,” she says. “I’ve been blessed to live my life within God’s creation.” She also maintains and manages the weather station that has been located on her family’s ranch for 80 years, providing an important and rare source of weather data for the Thunder Basin region. Lona has a special interest in the local animal species, especially raptors, and has enjoyed working with other ranchers to deepen her understanding of animal behaviors.

Of the importance of conservation in agriculture, Lona says, “The species are here and we’re here, both existing together. It’s been working, and it is important to keep it working. Whenever we can improve the land or the situation for the animals, I think we should.”

When not ranching, Lona enjoys woodworking, fishing, and spending time with her dogs.

Joan NeumillerDirectorBoard member since

Bio: Joan’s ancestors homesteaded in the Thunder Basin in the first part of the 20th century, and she has been running the family ranch for over two decades. She and her husband also own an independent oil and gas company that operates in the region. “I’ve always considered myself a keeper of the land,” she says. “That’s the theory and context in which I work – to improve the land, not degrade it. The Association provides the cohesiveness we need to work together to make sure our native species—and we the human species—are all able to coexist and complement each other. If the ranches went away, we would also lose a valuable heritage of stewardship, independence and the opportunity to live without overreaching and undue government restrictions.”

Much of Joan’s free time is devoted to family activities, and she enjoys cooking, canning, and raising healthy grass-finished beef. She is also an avid and creative quilter. Her newest passion is building and planting a large hugelkultur garden.

John RiehleDirectorBoard member since 2013

Bio: John joined the Association Board in 2013 and offers perspectives and insights unique to the next generation of Wyoming ranchers. He has an Ag Business degree from the University of Wyoming, is on the board of a local grazing association, and has been ranching for 13 years on land that has been in his family for four generations.

John is interested in learning new information as well as sharing what he knows, and finds value in experimenting to see how various approaches might help the environment. “I believe it is important for people from agriculture and other industries to with work with conservation experts to come up with good solutions to local problems,” he says.

Dedication

In Memory of Betty Pellatz 1930-2013

“The Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association Board of Directors hereby dedicates this CCAA/CCA/CA and its future implementation to our Chairman Betty Pellatz. It is truly a testament to her courage, strength of purpose, persistence and irrepressible spirit. We are humbled and honored to have served under her leadership and have been guided by her faith. Her vision is the beacon we follow as we look to the future.”

Important Links

About Us

The Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association is a non-profit organization established to provide private landowner leadership in developing a responsible, common sense, science-based approach to long-term management of their lands.